Tested the Specialized Turbo Levo 4th Generation e-bike, discovering two salient lessons:
Headline: Specialized Turbo Levo Gen 4 Eclipses Competition in Range Test
In the competitive world of electric bikes, the latest offering from Specialized, the Turbo Levo Gen 4, has proven itself a formidable contender. The bike was subjected to a range test involving several top-tier models, including the Whyte Kado and the Amflow PL Carbon.
The Turbo Levo Gen 4 impressively outperformed its peers, covering 1,633 meters of climbing distance—a feat that surpassed the second-place Whyte Kado, which managed 1,601 meters. The Amflow PL Carbon, despite boasting a powerful 850W motor, could only muster 1,430 meters due to unfavorable trail conditions.
The Turbo Levo Gen 4 Pro comes equipped with Specialized's 3.1 motor, offering 666W of power and 101Nm of torque. It equips an 840WH battery, although a lighter, smaller 600WH option is also available. The bike is adorned with top-end components and retails at £10,250.
The new Turbo Levo is the fourth iteration of the bike, which has been leading the e-bike market since its launch in 2017. Its predecessor, the gen 3 model, earned the title of E-Bike of the Year in 2023, setting the benchmark for integration and handling.
However, the launch of the gen 4 model has stirred controversy due to its two-tier motor system. The top-end S-Works bike is the only one to benefit from the full motor capabilities, while the lower spec models, such as the Turbo Levo Pro ridden in this test, have a power output artificially restricted at 666W and 105Nm.
Despite the power debate, the Turbo Levo Gen 4 impressed with its longevity. Under ideal conditions, it managed to maintain full power throughout, delivering 1,633 meters of climbing despite having less power compared to the Bosch Performance CX motor. The bike's performance, coupled with its hosts of features such as removable battery, internal frame storage, adjustable geometry, and fast charging, make it a strong competitor in the e-bike market.
In a side-by-side comparison with the Amflow PL Carbon, the Turbo Levo proved its merit, outperforming it in terms of range. The new leaderboard, as a result, looks as follows:
- 1,633m - Specialized Turbo Levo 4 Pro - Specialized 3.1 motor - 840Wh battery
- 1,601m - Whyte Kado RSX - Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor, 800Wh battery
- 1,430m - Amflow PL Carbon - DJI Avinox M1 motor, 800Wh battery
Further tests are planned to compare the Specialized Turbo Levo with the DJI Avinox motor and a Pinion MGU gearbike-equipped bike. Stay tuned for more updates!
- Smart-home devices could potentially benefit from the improved battery technology used in the Turbo Levo Gen 4, as this technology allows for longer operation times.
- In the realm of sports and technology, the Turbo Levo Gen 4 Pro, with its gadgets like adjustable geometry and removable battery, is comparable to high-end sports equipment that aims to enhance performance and user experience.